Reading through the SIDC FAQ pages the other day I spotted an interesting paragraph regarding the limited editions and special models. It stated that an original set of 6 Impreza cars were imported into the UK and were registered as GL models 3 went to Prodrive and 3 went to dealers. The GL models were apparently the development car for the RA rally version - well my car is a GC8A model and has Subaru Impreza GL on the V5 document -

So my question is; does anyone know the original chassis numbers / registration numbers of these 6 cars in question?

Any assistance in solving this mystery would be much appreciated.
Cheers
Rob

 

it is common for imports to be on the v5 as gl models.

 

Prodrives cars were registered as 1800GLs because they werent type-approved Rob. You car has been registered by the DVLC as an 1800GL because its on the top of the list that they use and they are slack. Id wager that one quarter of all imported WRXs are recorded by the DVLA as 1800GLs.....

As an aside; the WRX Type-RAs were developed alongside the more expensive WRXs and they were available from the models launch. Prodrives assesment cars were imported new and theyll say so on the V5 (declared new at first registration). Yours will state that the behicle was previously registered/used abroad and you can sleep easy.....


Simon

 

Agree as above most will be on V5 as either "Subaru" only or GL some may even have 1800cc. It's just down to the person (Or idiot) who wrote out the original documentation when the car came into the country

 

Some, like mine are a bit posher and are 2.0 GL's

 

I meant to type 'GL' but I was on a roll.....

 

Ok - does the V5 state that they are 1.8GL ? I'm sure my V5 states Subaru Impreza GL only - But I know for sure that it was imported and sent straight to Prodrive onder2:

 

Hmmm - No it doesn't !!!

 

What is the date of first registration? All V5s should clearly state that the vehcile was declared new on first registration of that it was previously used abroad..... Realistically Bob; hwats the chance of your car being one of the two or perhaps three that are thought to have survived?

Yes; the Subaru/IM cars imported for Prodrive were registered as 1.8GLs; this was the highest spec. Impreza that had been type-approved.


Simon

 

off memory 1st August 1993 - but I'd have to have a quick check on that. chances of it being an original are pretty slim - but it was a prodrive recce car

 

Based on the date; Id say its quite possible (especially when you state that you know it went to Prodrive). Most of the 'facts' are little more than conjecture though. Perhaps Mike Wood could confirm what he did with your car!

Simon

 

Yup i'm only curious and fairly sure that it will lead to nothing - can't see a recce car being used as a development car though ?

For reference the car was registered as L150 HWL

Cheers
Rob

 

So where's Mike Wood when ya need him.

 

He is elusive; try saying his name three times.....

 

I did - and that didn't work !! maybe he's really 'The Stig'

 

Having checked the V5 last night

It was delcared new at first registration
reg date 5/11/1993
Subaru Impreza GL

Now where is that Mike Wood when you need him...

 

It does look like its one of them doesnt it? The question now is; how many did IM/Prodrive import and bogusly register as 1800GLs and what did they really do woth them??


Simon